Jan Hooks, the only female member of the 1986 cast of “Saturday Night Live,” found herself amidst a group of fellow newcomers, including Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, and Kevin Nealon.
Her time on the show lasted until 1991, during which she captivated audiences with her remarkable impressions of Tammy Faye Bakker and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Hooks’ talent extended beyond SNL as she ventured into other television shows such as “Designing Women” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.”
Nora Dunn, Hooks’ co-star on “SNL,” praised her as a versatile character actress who had a multitude of invented characters and impersonations.
However, as the new millennium approached, Hooks gradually retreated from the limelight to lead a more private life.
Nealon, her co-star and former boyfriend, revealed that Hooks lived life on her own terms and appeared to distance herself from Hollywood.
She didn’t feel the need to constantly prove herself, despite having the potential to become a massive star.
Ultimately, Hooks prioritized her privacy above all else.
In addition to seeking solitude, Hooks battled two separate instances of cancer.
The first was leukemia in 2009, followed by throat cancer, which tragically claimed her life in 2014 at the age of 57.
Nevertheless, her legacy endures through her body of work, devoted fans, and the influence she had on several “SNL” alumni, including Tina Fey.
Fey managed to convince Hooks to make a cameo appearance on “30 Rock” before her untimely passing.
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